White House issues action protecting national security and welfare from criminal actors and public safety threats

The White House issued Executive Order 14385 on February 6, 2026. The order establishes a policy to protect the welfare and security of the United States and its citizens from criminal actors. Such actors include foreign nationals with criminal histories who have entered or remained in the United States in violation of immigration laws or who otherwise seek to violate criminal laws. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to access criminal history record information maintained by the Department of Justice to the maximum extent permitted by law for screening and vetting missions. It authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to exchange felony conviction records with the border security and immigration authorities of Visa Waiver Program countries and other trusted allies. Exchanges must occur on a reciprocal basis under bilateral or multilateral agreements that contain safeguards to protect the privacy of United States persons. The information may be provided only for the purpose of screening travelers and immigrants. The order states that it shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. It does not create any right or benefit enforceable against the United States.